National Art school

The National Art School (NAS) is a culturally significant Australian visual arts institution, with origins that can be traced back to 1843. It has a rich tradition of artistic practice and a well-renowned alumni.

Housed in the historic walls of the old Darlinghurst Gaol in Sydney’s premier Arts precinct, NAS offers a select number of full time programs; Bachelor of Fine Art, Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) and Master of Fine Art, and for the community, a comprehensive range of part-time and intensive short courses.

NAS utilises the studio based Atelier Method of teaching, where there is a high ratio of staff to students, with intensive instruction by professional practising artists taking place in a studio environment.

Students have access to over 80 eminent practising artists with established studios and art historians who lecture, lead by example and provide intensive tuition. Drawing, art history and theory and their relationships to contemporary culture are taught each year in the undergraduate programs.

For high school students, courses include the HSC Extension Workshops and for Year 11 students; the Dobell School.

NAS values its links with the international community including Japan, Korea, United Kingdom, USA, Sweden and France, where art exchange and art practice enhances the studio-based tradition of learning and scholarship.

Aside from educational programs, NAS has a year-long program of exhibitions, public programs and lectures, managed through the NAS Gallery, Art Forum, the Study Centre for Drawing and six School departments; Ceramics, Photography, Painting, Printmaking, Drawing, Sculpture and Art History & Theory.

NAS’s historic venues, including the Cell Block Theatre and The Chapel, are also available for hire for commercial events, theatrical productions and private and public functions.